Last summer Marcus flew back to Oregon from Egypt a little earlier so that he could join a week of white water rafting guide training with a Non-profit organization called Discover Outfitters. Check them out at www.discoveroutfitters.org
Training was held in Northern Oregon's lower Deschutes River, near Maupin, Oregon, a familiar stretch of river to the Gillettes. It rained at least a little just about every day of guide training, so wet suits and rain gear were essential with how much time we spent getting wet. Also included in the week was a lot of great food, camping out, great fellowship, new friendships, and getting tossed out of the boat into a Class 4 rapid for the first time! What fun! Guide training was also followed soon after by a swift water rescue certification course. Afterward, Marcus felt about as comfortable as a fish in the water.
It was by far, very worthwhile.
Eventually, the weather (and water) warmed up and he got to participate in guiding a few trips throughout the summer.
"The Guide"
Fighting with boats on the trailer.
Eager to test his ability, on his first trip Marcus was assigned to captain a boat of rather "green" and light-paddling middle school girls.
But, fear not, this group was worked into one fine-tuned paddling machine by the time we hit the big boys.
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